"Nay, I said nought," observed Gerard.
"Oh, high looks speak as plain as high words. Your cheeks were red as blood."
"I was nettled a moment at seeing so much ignorance and ill-nature together."
"Now it is me, their hostess, you affront."
"Forgive me, signora, and acquit me of design. It would ill become me to affront the kindest patron and friend I have in Rome—but one."
"How humble we are all of a sudden. In sooth, Ser Gerardo, you are a capital feigner. You can insult or truckle at will."
"Truckle? to whom?"
"To me, for one; to one, whom you affronted for a base-born girl like yourself: but whose patronage you claim all the same."
Gerard rose, and put his hand to his heart. "These are biting words, signora. Have I really deserved them?"
"Oh, what are words to an adventurer like you? cold steel is all you fear."